I know sometimes we are pressed for time but hand washing is not something you want to forget to do. In my experience, there are times when I’m so busy I can only focus on my patient’s but if I see a call light I go into the room and see what the patient needs. I have to wash my hands properly because I do not know if this patient is immunocompromised and I have to think about my patients. I do not want to go into their rooms and transmit something to them.
Another thing I always have in mind is that my shift will end and I will go home. Whatever is in the hospital must stay there. I do not want to take any contagious bacteria home and spread it to my children or my nephews.
There has also been numerous times when I’ve had to stop and educate family. Educating the family and patient is also important because they can also spread bacteria. Proper hygiene is very important and we must not assume everyone knows